Baywolf,
I think you are on track with the question about whether the state can ignore the OPA. In this case I do not think they can. It probably would involve a law suit, but I think the tribe would need to show a compelling reason for the meetings to be closed. Since, in this case, the state is nothing more than a representative of us, and no state secrets are being discussed, and all members are required to negotiate by law, I see no way the Tribes could argue to keep the meetings fully closeted. They might be able to get away with closed circuit meetings to keep out disruptions or other reasonable accommodations, but in my opinion that is the best they could do. The state should follow the tribes suit and try to get an injunction forcing the tribes to negotiate with the closed circuit cameras.

The tribes have been using the same sovereign nation argument to pay off the politicians, claiming they are not bound by campaign financing laws. Again, they may be right .... but I believe the politicians they are paying off are subject to the law. I think the first step in all this process is to get a law passed that limits what a politician can accept. We may need to get an initiative started that forces this issue.